FLOORING 101

janka hardness test What is the Janka Hardness Test?

Janka hardness test measure the hardness or density of wood. Testing is done on samples, not on actual flooring. It measures the force required to embed a 0.44" steel ball into the wood until half of the steel ball is into the wood. It was developed as a variation of Brinell test (measurement method of hardness of metals). Factors affect how flooring performs with type of core (for engineered flooring), grain direction and thickness of surface.

Results of measurements are stated in various ways for different countries. In United States, the measurement is in pounds-force (lbf). Other countries may state the test result in different units: kilogram-force (kgf), newtons (N), kilonewtons (kN), or simply treated as units (ex. "660 Janka").

For more information on Janka test, please follow this outside link to USDA's Forest Service, Research and Development: Forest Product Laboratory.

test flooring pdf

The common use of the Janka hardness test determines whether a species is suitable for use as flooring. This measurement technique determines the ability of type of wood for wear and withstand denting.

janka table Variations of wood species Urbanfloor carries

Wood Species

Janka

Acacia

1750

Birch, White

1260

Cherry, Brazilian

2820

Cherry, North American

950

Hickory(Pecan)

1820

Mahogany, Santos

2200

Maple, Hard/Sugar

1450

Oak, White

1360

Walnut, North American

1010

Walnut, Brazilian

3580

Rustic and traditional, ash gray to brilliant red, smooth and glossy to distressed and chiseled We offer classic flooring, timeless colors, as well as exotic flooring from around the world to meet your residential flooring needs.

At Urban Floor, we provide a wide variety of flooring for your home. From the ash color of our Abruzzo, to the deep richness of Birch Coffee, you will find a selection of flooring that can revitalize your residential space. Our wood floors are also versatile enough to match the needs of high-traffic areas. You can choose from traditional colors or update your space with exotic flooring. Our exotic flooring collection includes the beautiful Maple colors, American Walnut and Brazilian Cherry. Each collection offers a beautiful array of options. Other sites may offer residential flooring, but none is as unique, or of premium-quality, as our exotic flooring. Each collection that Urban Floor offers suits the need of each space, and is as unique as you are.